The number 12 position on my countdown goes to Mick Mars. Mick is the guitarist for Mötley Crüe. He played in a variety of bands before joining Mötley Crüe, and has also done some songwriting and guitar tracks for other bands and artists.

His wicked riffs and laid back playing style have captivated fans and music lovers since he began playing in bands in the 1970’s. There is something else about Mick Mars that causes him to stand out, and that is his struggle with ankylosing spondylitis.Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS, is a debilitating arthritis that affects the spine. I urge you to take a few seconds to find out exactly how it affects the body here at http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx. Hopefully you took the time to read how serious the disease is, so that you are able to understand a little about what Mars goes through on a daily basis. Most people with AS are unable to even walk around or drive a vehicle. However, Mick Mars has managed to hold a very active musical career.Needless to say, Mick has been in pain everyday for pretty much his entire life. Therefore, I’m probably not alone when I say perseverance is one of his most beautiful qualities. I couldn’t imagine living a single day with AS, but Mick has dealt with it his entire career. I find it amazing how he has been able to perform onstage for decades with a disease that is known incapacitate many of those who have it.

Mötley Crüe is now on their final tour. For more information, visit http://www.motley.com for remaining dates. Thank you, Mick Mars, for tuning out your pain so you could tune up your guitar. You are truly a rock star.